New coach Paul Johnson enters spring at Georgia Tech with no preconceived notions of what to expect from the first rendition of his Yellow Jackets, which should lead to interesting, if not confusing, times.
The Jackets are going into the spring with no set depth chart and plenty of questions, not only on offense and defense but special teams as well. Both Durant Brooks, an outstanding punter, and Travis Bell, a streaky but overall effective field-goal kicker, must be replaced.
Of course, most of the attention will focus on the quarterback spot with Johnson's installation of his triple-option offense.
Taylor Bennett, a drop-back passer who was last year's starter, already has said "thanks but no thanks" to changing his style and won't be around for his senior season.
As many as six candidates could compete for the job, including two true freshmen in Jaybo Shaw and Tevin Washington. But the likely starter will be either Josh Nesbitt or Calvin Booker, both of whom backed up Bennett last season.
Nesbitt saw more time on the field than Booker, a transfer from Auburn, but much of that was spent in a shotgun formation. Nesbitt ran for 339 yards and threw for 93 in 11 appearances. Booker threw for 167 yards in five games.
Some other veterans will be taking on new tasks. Greg Smith, a wide receiver, will get a look at A-back, a slot receiver position that has some running responsibilities. Jonathan Dwyer, a backup to Tashard Choice as a freshman last season, is the leading B-back candidate, or the main running back responsibility.
Johnson will be looking for several backfield candidates, however. Navy last season had four players rush for more than 600 yards and three others who were right around the 500-yard mark.
Georgia Tech's spring game will be April 19.
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I think that the GT board has the lowest amount of threads and doesn't even have any polls. Whats the deal with that? Not enough PC knowledged GT fans?
Wow just saw on ESPN Marcus Ball, Reggie Ball's little bro was released from his scholarship at Florida State. Not sure of the reason why??? but he was one off the players who was caught in the cheating scandal a few months ago. I truly believe GT dodged a bullet here by missing on this kid.
I was very surprised to see both Oliver and Robertson not get drafted. A little surprised to see Guyton get picked considering some of the other OLB that did get picked up.
Paul Johnson says that the Jackets will wear the traditional uniforms for home games this year: White Jerseys / Gold Pants.
Tech is one of the few schools in the nation that elects to wear light-colored jerseys for their home games -- LSU is one of the exceptions. I can't think of any others in college football.
I personally like the tradtion, but certainly enjoyed when Tech broke out
We are losing players and recruits left and right.
From the AJC:
"Donley is one of several players who either left Tech or chose not to sign after the coaching change. Starting quarterback Taylor Bennett has said he will transfer after he graduates in May. Scottsdale, Ariz., high school quarterback Sean Renfree and Henry
...(more)
So what are people's thoughts on the Jackets for 2008?
I think we will struggle to get to our traditional 7 wins that we seem to always have under Gailey. Just feel like there is too much change to come out winning the tough games.
Coach Johnson wouldn't have to recruit too early to get his offence in place. Nebsitt should be able to run the option. We've already seen what Dwyer can do. I'm not sure who would be the other back.
I have no idea if Tech lands Johnson, but it's interesting to discuss.